Learn the World in Simple English with Miss Y 簡單英文 大千世界

Miss Y
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歡迎來到一個輕鬆又友善的英語學習方式。 我是 Miss Y，這個節目專為初中級到中級程度的台灣英語學習者設計。 每一集都提供 15～20 分鐘清晰、好理解的英文，讓你自然地訓練聽力。 節目涵蓋影視、自我成長、旅遊、時事、心靈、科技、職涯、商業等多元主題。 就像用簡單英文聽朋友分享有趣的新知。 不論你在通勤、讀書或放鬆時收聽，都能輕鬆吸收有內容的英文。讓英文自然融入你的生活，一集一集慢慢進步。 Welcome to a simple and friendly way to improve your English. I’m Miss Y, and this podcast is designed for Taiwanese learners at the low-intermediate to intermediate level. Each episode gives you 15–20 minutes of clear, easy-to-understand English to help you practice listening naturally. We explore many topics — movies, self-growth, travel, news, mindset, technology, career, business, and more. Think of it as listening to a friend share interesting ideas in simple English. Whether you're commuting, studying, or relaxing at home, this podcast helps you enjoy meaningful English without stress. Let English become part of your daily routine — one episode at a time. Powered by Firstory Hosting

  1. 31 May

    EP24 | 美國人為什麼這麼愛給小費？什麼是Tipflation？| Why Do Americans Tip So Much? What Is Tipflation?

    你願意為一杯珍珠奶茶多付 20% 小費嗎？在美國，這樣的情況可能每天都在發生。這一集我們來聊聊美國的小費文化（tipping culture），從服務生時薪最低只有 2.13 美元的歷史背景，到近年備受爭議的「Tipflation（小費通膨）」，以及一則因為「沒給小費」而引爆網路論戰的真實故事。我們也會看看美國式小費文化是否正在向世界各地擴散，以及身為旅客，到底該怎麼給小費才不失禮。一起用簡單英文認識這個讓許多人又困惑又好奇的美國文化現象吧！ Would you tip 20% for a bubble tea? In this episode, we explore American tipping culture, the history behind it, the rise of “tipflation,” and a viral story that sparked online debate. We’ll also discuss whether US-style tipping is spreading overseas and what travelers should know when visiting America. Learn English with Miss Y: https://pse.is/95qlttLeave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cmilgpemw00i201yvfrduavyf/comments Transcription: Hey guys, I’m your English teacher, Miss Y! Welcome to the podcast made for intermediate English learners who want to listen to English, and learn about different topics in a fun and easy way. Today, I want to start with a simple question. Imagine you're walking home after work. It's a hot day. You decide to buy a bubble tea. You walk into your favorite tea shop. You order a large milk tea with pearls. The total comes to seventy NT dollars. The employee makes your drink and hands it to you. You take out your phone and scan the QR code to pay. Everything seems normal. But then something unexpected happens. A payment screen appears. And on the screen you see four choices. Tip 20%. Tip 25%. Tip 30%. Or "No Tip." The employee is standing right in front of you. Three customers are waiting behind you. Everyone can see the screen. What would you do? Would you leave a tip? Would you press "No Tip"? Tip (小費; 動詞的用法是給某人小費) Would you feel a little awkward (彆扭)? Maybe even a little guilty (罪惡感)? Now here's another question. What if I told you that for many Americans, situations like this happen all the time? In fact, tipping has become such a big topic in the United States that people argue about it online almost every day. Some people think tipping is an important way to support workers. Others think tipping culture has gone too far. And recently, a viral story involving a tourist and a restaurant receipt started another huge debate. So today, we're going to talk about tipping culture in America. Why do Americans tip so much? Why are there more and more people complain about it? If you visit the United States, what should you do? Let's get into it. Let's first understand why tipping is so important in the United States. One important reason is the way some service workers are paid. In the United States, there is a federal minimum wage (最低薪資). Right now, the minimum wage is seven dollars and twenty-five cents per hour. In theory (理論上), that means employers must pay workers at least that amount. But there is an important exception. For workers who regularly receive tips, such as many restaurant servers, the federal law allows employers to pay as low as two dollars and thirteen cents per hour. Yes, you heard that correctly. Only two dollars and thirteen cents per hour. The reason this is allowed is that tips are expected to make up the difference. In other words, the system assumes customers will leave tips. Without tips, many workers would earn far less money. For them, tips has been an important part of their income. This system has existed for a long time. In fact, the law that created a lower wage category for tipped workers dates back to 1938. So for generations, tipping has not simply been a nice gesture in the United States. It has become a social responsibility. That's why Americans often think about tipping differently from people in many other countries. At the same time, many people argue that this system itself is the problem. They believe workers should receive higher wages directly from employers instead of depending on customers. For me as a citizen born and raised in East Asia, my biggest question is: why should customers be responsible for helping workers earn enough money? But you know what, now, even American started to complain tipping. In recent years, many Americans have started talking about a word called "tipflation." Tipflation. This word combines two words. Tip and inflation. Inflation means prices going up (物價上升; 通貨膨脹). Tipflation describes a situation where tipping seems to be spreading everywhere, and people expect you to tip more. I remember 15 years ago when I visited the US for the first time, I was still a college student. Tip was only 10%, and that was already a burden (負擔) for me as a student. But now, you are expected to pay a 20% tip? Crazy! And nowadays, you are asked to tip everywhere. Not just restaurants or bars. People are being asked to tip at bakeries (麵包店). At takeout counters (外帶). At food trucks (餐車). At self-service (自助) businesses. People are asked to tip even when very little service is provided. Imagine ordering a muffin. The worker puts the muffin in a bag. You pay. Then the screen asks for a twenty-five percent tip. Some customers look at the screen and think, "Wait a minute. What exactly am I tipping for? No one serves me!" Many Americans say they don't mind tipping for good service. But they don't like feeling pressured. And technology has made that pressure more visible. Years ago, you might quietly leave some cash on a table. Now, digital payment screens often ask you directly. The options are right in front of your face. And because another person is watching, some people feel uncomfortable choosing "No Tip." Even if they don't think a tip is necessary. And that's why many conversations about tipping today are really conversations about expectations. One such story online went viral recently. A tourist shared a picture with a credit card receipt (收據) on Threads recently. She went to a restaurant. After the meal, the she paid the bill with credit card. But she chose the option “no tip” on the credit card receipt. Now, what the server didn't know was that the customer planned to leave a cash tip. The customer simply hadn't added a tip through the card payment system. But before knowing that, the server noticed the missing tip. The server then left a note written in red color on the receipt, saying ”Learn to TIP. It’s not my job to serve you FOR FREE!” (學一下怎麼給小費吧！免費服務你不是我的工作) Sounds very angry, doesn’t it? And as you can probably guess, people left very different opinions under the picture. Some people immediately supported the server. They argued that servers depend on tips. From their point of view, seeing no tip can be disappointing. Other people supported the customer. They argued that tipping should always be a choice. They said customers should never be judged for how much they tip or whether they tip at all. Some people said the server was being “greedy” (貪心). And honestly, this argue happens all the time when people discuss tipping. Now, if you're listening from Taiwan, you might find this especially interesting. In Taiwan, tipping is not usually part of everyday life. Sometimes restaurants already include a service charge. Sometimes people simply pay the listed price. Most of the time, there isn't much confusion. But in the United States, visitors often feel nervous because they don't know the rules. They worry about making mistakes. So let's talk about some practical advice. If you visit the United States, what should you do? First, if you go to a sit-down restaurant and a server takes care of you during your meal, tipping is generally expected. Many people leave around fifteen to twenty percent. Today, twenty percent is very common. Second, if you use services such as taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber, many people also leave a tip. Third, in hotels, some travelers leave small tips for workers who help carry luggage or clean rooms. But things become less clear when we're talking about coffee shops, takeout orders, or self-service businesses. That's where opinions start to differ. Some people tip. Some people don't. Some tip only occasionally. Sometimes many Americans themselves are unsure about what the right answer is. But here's something interesting. The discussion about tipping isn't only happening inside the United States anymore. Some people are starting to worry that American-style tipping culture is spreading to other countries. For example, in parts of Europe, customers have recently noticed more digital payment screens asking for tips. In the past, people might leave a small amount of change after a meal. Or maybe nothing at all. But now, some restaurants, cafes, and bars are starting to show suggested tip amounts on payment screens. Sometimes customers see options like 10%, 15%, or even 20%. And for many local people, this feels strange. Because traditionally, tipping was never such a big part of everyday life there. Some customers in countries like the UK and France say they feel like they're being pushed toward American-style tipping habits. They worry that a culture of optional tipping is slowly becoming a culture of expected tipping. Part of the reason may be technology. Today, many businesses use the same digital payment systems. The screen asks for a tip automatically. Even if tipping was never common in that country before. And once people see tip suggestions often enough, social expectations can start to change. Another reason is that tourism has become more global. For example, in Iceland, tipping culture doesn’t exist. But for the past years, loads of American started visiting Iceland. They are already used to tipping.

    19 min

  2. 24 May

    EP23 | 《臺灣漫遊錄》 如何讓台灣故事走向世界？| How Taiwan Travelogue Won the International Booker Prize

    這一集，Miss Y 跟大家聊最近台灣社群與媒體都在討論的《臺灣漫遊錄》以及它獲得國際布克獎的消息。我們會一起認識 International Booker Prize 是什麼、為什麼「翻譯」如此重要、這本小說在講什麼，以及作者楊双子與譯者金翎的訪談與得獎感言。這也是一集很適合英文學習者的內容，因為我們會聊到中文與英文思考方式的差異，以及翻譯如何跨越語言與文化。 In this episode, Miss T will talk about Taiwan Travelogue winning the International Booker Prize. We’ll explore what the award means, why translation matters, what the novel is about, and the powerful words from the author and translator. A great episode for English learners interested in language, culture, and Taiwan. Learning English with Miss Y: https://pse.is/94tzzb Leave a comment and share your thoughts: Transcript: Hey guys, I’m your English teacher, Miss Y! Welcome to the podcast made for intermediate English learners who want to listen to English, and learn about different topics in a fun and easy way. A few weeks ago, I was at the airport, waiting for my flight, and I walked into a bookstore. You know, those airport bookstores where people buy magazines, snacks, or something to read on the plane. And then I saw this book. The English title was Taiwan Travelogue. Honestly, at first, I thought it was just a normal travel guide about Taiwan. Maybe something about night markets, famous food, train trips… you know, the usual Taiwan travel stuff. I picked it up for a few seconds, looked at the cover, and then put it back. But recently, suddenly, I started seeing this book everywhere online. People on social media were sharing screenshots of the news. Taiwanese media started talking about it. Bookstores were putting the book in special display areas. Because Taiwan Travelogue just won the International Booker Prize (獎項). And a lot of people in Taiwan felt really proud and excited. Taiwanese book won a big international award (獎項), and also, this is a story from Taiwan reaching readers all around the world. So today, I want to talk about this book, what the International Booker Prize actually is, that the role of translation is, what the story is about, and also the two people behind this success — the author (作者) and the translator (譯者). So first, let’s talk about this award itself. What exactly is the International Booker Prize? You may have heard of the Booker Prize before. It’s one of the most famous literary (文學的) awards in the world. Usually, people connect it with serious novels, famous writers, and books that become internationally respected. But the International Booker Prize is a little different. The keyword here is “international.” This award is for books from around the world that are translated into English. And I think that part is really important. Because most of us only read books in one or maybe two languages. Right? For example, if a book is written in Korean, Japanese, Arabic, Spanish, or Chinese, many English readers cannot read it directly. So without translation, these stories would stay inside one language community. They could never travel very far. And that’s why translation matters so much. Actually, one thing I really like about the International Booker Prize is that the award is shared equally between the writer and the translator. I think that says something very meaningful. Because translation is not just changing words from one language into another language. It’s much more complicated than that. And I think you guys, as language learners, probably understand this very well. Maybe you’ve had this experience, right? Sometimes you know exactly what you want to say in Chinese, but when you try to say it in English, it suddenly feels… different. You know the meaning is there, but the feeling changes a little. Translation works like that too. And that’s why a great translator is almost like a second writer. Another reason this award feels important is because Taiwan is usually discussed internationally for other reasons. Politics. Technology. Semiconductors. But this time, people around the world were talking about a Taiwanese novel. A story. Literature. Culture. And I think that feels very different. It feels softer, more human somehow. So now the question is… What exactly is this book about? Why did it connect with readers around the world? So, what is Taiwan Travelogue (遊記) actually about? At first, it sounds pretty simple. The story takes place in Taiwan during the 1930s, when Taiwan was under Japanese colonial rule (殖民統治). Japan ruled Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, so during that time, Japanese language and culture had a very strong influence here. The novel follows two women. One is a Japanese writer from Japan. The other is a Taiwanese woman who works as an interpreter (翻譯員 通常指口譯員). Together, they travel around Taiwan. They visit different cities, eat local food, stay in hotels, ride trains, and talk about culture, language, and daily life. It almost sounds peaceful and relaxing. Like a slow travel story. And in some ways, it is. Food is a very important part of the novel. Apparently, the book spends a lot of time describing meals, snacks, restaurants, and local Taiwanese dishes. And I think that’s one reason many readers enjoyed it so much. But underneath the travel story, there’s something deeper happening. The book quietly talks about power. Who gets to speak? Whose language is considered “important”? Who gets to tell the story of Taiwan? And I think that’s where the role of the interpreter becomes really interesting. Because the Taiwanese woman is translating language all the time between Japanese and Taiwanese culture. But translation is never completely neutral (中性). Sometimes, the translator has power too. She decides how things are explained. She decides what feelings are carried across. And slowly, the relationship between these two women becomes emotionally complicated. Some people describe the novel as romantic. Others describe it as political (政治的). And actually, maybe it’s both. One of the judges, Natasha Brown, said the novel “pulls off an incredible double feat.” Pull off (成功完成一件困難的事), “double feat” is like two things you’ve finished successfully. In other words, it successfully does two difficult things at the same time. She said it works both as a romance story and also as a sharp post-colonial novel. I really like that description. Because the novel with political topic is not always with boring speeches. It can be in some small moments in our daily lives. Conversations. Food. Travel experiences. And through those small moments, readers slowly begin to feel the bigger historical tension underneath everything. And the judge also called it “a completely, completely delicious love story.” I love that phrase — “completely delicious.” It makes the novel sound emotional and full of sensory (感知的; sense 感官) experience at the same time. And honestly, I think that combination is probably one reason international readers connected with it. Because even though the story is deeply connected to Taiwanese history, the emotions inside it still feel human and universal. People everywhere understand questions about identity, belonging, love, and power. And behind this award are two very important people: the writer who created the story, and the translator who carried that story across languages to the rest of the world. So now, let’s talk about the two people behind this book. The author and the translator. The author of Taiwan Travelogue is Yang Shuang-zi. I will call her “Yang”. And the English translator is Lin King. I will call her “King”. I think one reason this story feels special is because both of them seem deeply thoughtful about Taiwan, history, language, and identity. In interviews, Yang, the writer, talked about why she wanted to write this novel. She said something like by using a modern Taiwanese point of view, she wanted to solve the complex history that Taiwan’s people faced in the past, and to explore what kind of future we should to have” And I think that explains the feeling of the book very well. It’s asking questions like: How should Taiwanese people understand the past? How do history and politics shape identity today? And what kind of future should Taiwan build? I think these are questions many Taiwanese people think about. And then there’s the translator, King. The more interviews I read with her, the more interesting she became to me. Because for her, translation feels emotional and cultural too. In one interview, she was asked: “What made you want to translate this book?” And her answer really stayed in my mind. She said: “Were Taiwan’s peoples oppressed and mistreated under Japanese rule? Yes, but that does not mean their identities and personalities were bulldozed over by their suffering.” And then she continued: “There was still humor, good food, movies, school, petty fights, and romance. To suggest otherwise is to reduce a culture to its trauma.” I think that’s such an important idea. It means, when people talk about history, especially painful history, sometimes they only focus on suffering. But real people still lived full lives. They laughed. They fell in love. They argued with friends. They watched movies. They worried about ordinary things. And I think King is saying something very human here. A culture is not only sad stories. People continue living, even during difficult times. I think this is why Taiwanese are tough but very kind and warm. The book talks about colonialism (殖民主義) and power, yes. But it also talks about life and love. And then, during the award ceremony itself, both Yang and King gave speeches that many people online started sharing afterward.

    24 min

  3. 16 May

    EP22 | 中世紀的孩子到底是悲慘還是快樂？ | Were Medieval Children Miserable or Happy?

    提到中世紀，很多人都會想到戰爭、疾病、貧窮，還有殘酷的生活環境。因此，不少人認為中世紀的父母不太愛孩子，甚至覺得童年這個概念根本不存在。但真的是這樣嗎？這一集，Miss Y 帶你一起回到中世紀，看看孩子們真正的生活。從嬰兒照顧、教育、遊戲，到農村與城堡裡不同階級孩子的日常，我們會發現，中世紀的父母其實非常在意孩子，也會為孩子生病、死亡而感到悲傷。透過歷史證據與有趣的故事，我們一起重新認識真正的中世紀童年。Did medieval parents really not love their children? In this episode, we explore the surprising reality of childhood in the Middle Ages. From baby care and education to games, family life, and social class, historians now believe medieval children were far more valued and cared for than many old stereotypes suggest. Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cmilgpemw00i201yvfrduavyf/comments Transcript: Hey guys, I’m your English teacher, Miss Y! Welcome to the podcast made for intermediate English learners who want to listen to English, and learn about different topics in a fun and easy way. Recently, I came across an article about childhood in the Middle Ages (中世紀; 也可以說 medieval ages; medieval (adj) 中世紀的), and I have to say, I found it fascinating. I started reading it just out of curiosity, but the more I read, the more surprised I became. So today, I really want to share some of these ideas with you. Before reading it, I had a lot of stereotypes (刻板印象) about medieval life. I mean, when we think about the Middle Ages, we usually imagine a pretty cruel (殘忍) and difficult world. Castles, wars, disease, poverty… you know, all those dark images. And because life seemed so hard back then, I always imagined children probably didn’t have a very happy childhood like many children do today. Maybe you’ve heard similar ideas too. People often say that medieval parents didn’t become emotionally attached (依戀; 附著;黏著) to their children because so many children died young. Some people even describe medieval children as just “miniature adults.” (迷你版的成人) But actually, historians today say this picture is mostly wrong. So in this episode, we’re going to explore what childhood was really like in the Middle Ages. We’ll talk about how children lived, how parents treated them, what games they played, what school was like, and why modern historians are challenging these old stereotypes. And once you start looking at the evidence, medieval childhood begins to feel much more human and familiar than we might expect. So let’s get started. One of the biggest misunderstandings about medieval childhood comes from an old idea by a historian (歷史學家) named Philippe Ariès. He believed that people in the Middle Ages didn’t really see childhood as a special stage of life. According to him, children were basically treated like small adults. Part of this idea came from medieval paintings. In many artworks, children wear clothes that look very similar to adult clothes. So people looked at these paintings and thought, “Oh, medieval society probably didn’t think children were different from adults.” But modern historians say the situation is much more complicated than that. When researchers started studying medieval law, education, medicine, literature, and art more carefully, they found a lot of evidence showing that medieval people absolutely understood that children were different from adults. For example, medieval writers divided life into different stages. They talked about infancy, childhood, and adolescence. infancy (嬰兒時期), childhood (童年時期), and adolescence (青少年時期). So they clearly understood that children developed step by step as they grew older. And medieval artwork also shows many scenes of childhood life. We can see babies learning to walk, children playing games, students sitting in schools, young people learning jobs, and parents taking care of their children. So children were not invisible at all. Actually, they appeared everywhere in medieval culture. And here’s another important point. Medieval parents really did care about their children emotionally. Now, of course, life was hard back then. Infant mortality was extremely high. Infant mortality means the rate for a baby to die before they reach childhood (嬰兒死亡率). Historians believe that in some periods, about one-third of children died before the age of five. One-third of children (三分之一)! That’s a shocking number for us today. Right? People had no antibiotics (抗生素), no vaccines (疫苗), and very limited medical knowledge. Even simple illnesses could become deadly. Fires, accidents, poor nutrition, and disease were constant dangers. But modern historians say high child mortality does not mean parents didn’t love their children. Actually, historical evidence shows the opposite. Parents prayed constantly for healthy births. Mothers asked the Virgin Mary (聖母瑪麗亞) for protection during pregnancy and childbirth. Families spent time and money trying to heal sick children. Some parents even traveled on long religious pilgrimages (朝聖之旅) because they hoped for miracles And when children died, medieval texts often describe deep sadness. So no, medieval parents were not cold or emotionally distant (有距離的; 疏離的). They lived in a dangerous world, but they still loved their children very much. Let’s talk a little about infancy (the period of being a baby). Being a baby in the Middle Ages was honestly pretty risky. The first years of life were the most dangerous. One thing medieval people commonly did was swaddling babies. This means wrapping babies tightly in a cloth. Today, this might look uncomfortable to us. But medieval people believed wrapping their baby tight could protect babies and help their bodies grow correctly. In medieval paintings, we often see babies wrapped very carefully and carried gently by adults. Breastfeeding (餵母乳) was also extremely important. People believed breast milk was not only healthy but also emotionally and spiritually (心靈方面) important. If a mother could not breastfeed, families sometimes hired a wet nurse. A wet nurse means another woman who breastfed the baby. And actually, babies who did not receive breast milk often had a much lower chance of survival because other feeding methods were not very clean or safe. Now here’s another stereotype people often believe: that infanticide, meaning killing babies, was common in medieval Europe. But historians say there is very little evidence for this idea. Yes, terrible cases existed sometimes. But medieval Christian society strongly condemned (譴責) hurting babies. It was considered both a crime and a serious sin (罪). Court records from the Middle Ages show surprisingly few cases, and when it happened, people reacted very strongly against it. So again, this challenges the old stereotype that medieval people didn’t value children. It’s good to know medieval people were not ruthless monsters, right? Haha. Now, as children grew older, medieval society expected them to slowly learn adult skills and responsibilities. Childhood was seen as a period of training and preparation. One important moment was learning to walk. Medieval art even shows early versions of baby walkers. Education depended a lot on social class (階級). For peasant children, children who are born in farmer’s family, learning usually meant helping with farming and housework. They learned by watching adults and joining daily work little by little. In towns and cities, many children became apprentices (學徒). Sometimes children as young as eight years old started learning trades like cooking, blacksmithing (打鐵), or carpentry (木工). And noble (貴族的) children had very different lives. Young noble boys were trained to become knights (騎士) and future leaders. They learned horseback riding, hunting, fighting, and court manners. Girls in noble families learned religion, household management, social etiquette (社交禮儀), and sometimes reading and writing too. And schools did exist in the Middle Ages, by the way. That surprises some people. After the time around 800 A.D., schools became more common in towns. Children learned reading, writing, religion, and sometimes Latin (拉丁文). Medieval artwork sometimes shows the idea that schools and education helps people climb higher toward knowledge. Now, something really important to remember is this: there was no single “medieval childhood.” A child’s life depended heavily on where they were born and what social class they belonged to. Most medieval people lived in the countryside, so let’s start there. Children from farmer’s family often worked from a young age. Around ten years old, boys might already help with works in the fields or taking care of animals. But their childhood was not only work. Medieval writers describe children running through fields, climbing trees, exploring vineyards, chasing animals, and playing outdoors with friends. Honestly, some parts sound very familiar even today. Now, city life was very different. Medieval cities were crowded, noisy, and full of activity. Children often worked in workshops (工作枋) beside adult craftsmen. And after the Black Death (黑死病) in 1348, city life became even harder. Many children suffered from hunger, disease, and poverty. Some became beggars (乞丐). But cities also gave children opportunities for fun and freedom. Historical images show children swimming in streams, watching street performers, playing games in public squares, and running around with groups of friends. So medieval cities were not only places of suffering. They were also lively social spaces. And then we have noble childhood inside

    21 min

  4. 4 May

    EP21 | Apple 換 CEO 了？會有什麼影響呢？| Apple’s CEO Change: Why Does It Matters to Us?

    蘋果公司宣布執行長將由 Tim Cook 交棒給 John Ternus，這不只是科技圈的大新聞，也可能影響我們每一個人的生活。本集 Miss Y 用簡單英文帶你了解這次領導轉換發生了什麼、為什麼重要，以及 Apple 未來可能的方向。同時回顧 Tim Cook 的成就，並分析新任 CEO 的背景與風格。一起思考：Apple 的下一步會是穩定發展，還是再次創新改變世界？ Apple is changing its CEO—but why does it matter to us? In this episode, we explore what happened, why leadership matters, Tim Cook’s legacy, and what might change under John Ternus. Learn how this shift could shape Apple’s future—and possibly the future of technology. Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cmilgpemw00i201yvfrduavyf/comments Transcription: Hey guys, I’m your English teacher, Miss Y! Welcome to the podcast made for intermediate English learners who want to listen to English, and learn about different topics in a fun and easy way. So, you know, I’m actually kind of an Apple fan. I use an iPhone, I use a MacBook, and yeah, I like their design. It’s clean, simple, and just… nice to use, you know? And also their innovation. Innovation means the way they are creative and are able to make new things. I think over the years they’ve created products that really changed how we live. So when I saw this recent news about Apple, I was like, okay, this is kind of a big deal that you guys might want to hear about This news is not just big in the tech world. I mean, of course, people in the tech industry are talking about it. But actually, if you think about it, Apple is so connected to our daily lives that a change like this… it might affect all of us, in some way. Alright, so let’s get into it. First, what actually happened? There’s a major leadership change at Apple. After many years, Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO. Now, he’s not disappearing completely—he’s expected to stay involved as chairman (董事長;主席)—but still, stepping down as CEO is a big deal. I mean, this is the person who has been leading Apple for more than a decade. And the new CEO? That’s John Ternus. If you’re thinking, “Wait, I’ve never heard of him,” that’s actually quite normal. He’s not a public celebrity like some tech leaders. He’s more of an inside guy—someone who has been working behind the scenes at Apple for many years. So yeah, this isn’t some sudden drama or crisis. It’s more like a planned transition (轉變;過度). Apple knew this was coming, and they chose someone from inside the company. Still, even if it’s planned, it’s a big moment. Because when a company like Apple changes its leader, people pay attention. Okay, so that brings us to the next question… why should we care? Like, why does Apple changing its CEO matter to us? Well… here’s the thing. Apple isn’t just any company. It’s one of the most influential (有影響力的) companies in the world. Like, this is a company that shapes global tech trends (潮流). When Apple does something, other companies often follow. You’ve probably noticed that, right? And also… Apple is everywhere in our daily life. Your phone, your laptop, apps, music, cloud storage… maybe even your watch. It’s kind of hard to avoid Apple products these days. So when leadership changes, it’s not just some internal company news. It can actually influence a lot of things. Like global markets—investors (投資者) pay attention. Suppliers and partners—companies that work with Apple also get affected. Taiwan has a lot of companies that work with Apple. And even how we use technology every day… that could slowly change too. So yeah, it’s bigger than it looks. And there’s another interesting point here. If we look at Apple’s history, leadership changes have always meant something important. Think about Steve Jobs. He really defined Apple with bold, creative ideas. He pushed for totally new kinds of products. Then came Tim Cook. Very different style. He focused more on stability, efficiency, making the business stronger. And he did that really well. So each CEO didn’t just manage the company… they actually changed what Apple is. And that’s the key idea here. So when a new CEO comes in, it could mean different priorities (優先的事項 重視的事項). Maybe a different way of thinking about products. Maybe more risk-taking… or less. Maybe focusing on different areas. It’s subtle, but it matters. And also… timing is important. Apple might be at a turning point (轉捩點) right now. Because, you know, smartphone growth is slowing down. People are not upgrading their phones as often as before. At the same time, the tech world is shifting. Big companies are moving into AI, new platforms, new ways of using technology. And competition is getting stronger. So this CEO change is not happening during a calm, easy period. It’s happening at a moment where Apple needs to decide what to do next. We can say that the next leader is going to guide Apple into its next stage. And then there’s another layer to this… signals (訊號). This part is a bit less obvious, but really interesting. When a company like Apple changes CEO, investors watch very closely. A new CEO can send a message. Like, “Hey, we’re staying the same. Everything is stable.” Or, “We’re going in a new direction. Big changes are coming.” And even before any new product is released, just the announcement of a new CEO can already affect things. Stock (股票) prices might move. People’s expectations change. Competitors (競爭對手) start reacting. So yeah, it’s not just about actions. It’s also about what the change signals. Alright, now let’s talk about Tim Cook for a moment. Because, honestly, his role in Apple is huge. When Tim Cook became CEO, he took over from Steve Jobs. And that was not easy. Steve Jobs was known as a visionary (有遠見的人)—someone who created totally new kinds of products. Tim Cook, on the other hand, is different. His strength is operations (營運; 運作). He’s very good at making things run smoothly. Under his leadership, Apple became incredibly efficient. The supply chain, the production, the global business—everything became stronger. And financially? Apple became one of the most valuable companies in the world. That’s not a small achievement. He also expanded Apple’s services. Things like iCloud, Apple Music, subscriptions (訂閱)—these became a big part of Apple’s business. Apple started building a whole ecosystem (生態系統). But at the same time, some people feel that Apple hasn’t had a really big, groundbreaking (突破性的) product in recent years. Like, something as revolutionary (革命性的) as the iPhone. So that’s kind of the background Tim Cook is leaving behind. A very strong, stable, profitable company—but also one that people are watching closely, wondering, “What’s next?” And this is where John Ternus comes in. Now, he’s quite different from Tim Cook. His background is in engineering. He has worked on hardware—actual products like the iPhone and Mac. So while Tim Cook is more about operations and business efficiency, John Ternus is more about building products. And that difference is interesting. Because it might mean that Apple could shift slightly. To shift means to change. Maybe more focus on product innovation. Maybe more attention on the details of hardware. Maybe trying to create something exciting again. Not a huge change overnight, but you know… a different emphasis (強調的重點). Alright, so let’s talk about the future. What could this change mean for Apple? Well, one big question is innovation. Can Apple still create something new and exciting? Something that really changes how we use technology? Because right now, the tech world is moving fast. Especially in areas like artificial intelligence. Companies like Google and Microsoft are pushing forward quickly. Apple has been more careful. More focused on privacy. More controlled. So people are wondering—will the new CEO push Apple to move faster in AI? Or will Apple continue to be more cautious? Another issue is the iPhone. It’s still Apple’s biggest product. But the problem is, people are upgrading their phones less often now. So growth is slowing down a bit. That means Apple needs to think about the next step. Maybe new devices. Maybe new services. Maybe something we haven’t even imagined yet. And then there’s the global situation. Supply chains (供應鏈), politics (政治), regulations (規範)… all of these things affect Apple. It’s a global company, so changes in the world can have a big impact. So yeah, the new CEO has a lot to handle. But here’s the key point. Most experts don’t expect a dramatic change. It’s not like Apple is going to suddenly become a completely different company. Instead, it’s more like… a gradual shift. A bit more focus on products. Maybe a bit more risk-taking. But still keeping the strong foundation that Tim Cook built. So if we step back and look at the big picture, this CEO change means more than one person leaving and another person taking over. People around the world are also wondering: What kind of company does Apple want to be in the future? Does it continue refining what it already does very well? Or does it try to reinvent itself again? What do you guys think? One thing is clear. When Apple changes, the tech world pays attention. And in some way, it affects all of us—because technology is such a big part of our daily lives. Alright, that’s it for today. I’m Miss Y, and I really hope you enjoyed learning English with me today. If you liked this episode, come back next time for another fun 15 to 20 minutes of simple, clear English and a brand-new topic to explore. Stay curious, and keep learning about the world in simple E

    17 min

  5. 26 Apr

    EP20 | 人類重返月球！阿提米絲二號任務是什麼？｜Artemis II: Returning to the Moon!

    人類睽違50多年再次邁向月球，阿提米絲二號任務象徵太空探索的新開始。Miss Y 用簡單英文帶你了解這次任務的重點，從飛越月球的任務設計，到重返地球時的危險過程，以及太空人在旅程中的真實感受。透過清楚的說明與故事性的分享，讓你在輕鬆聆聽中認識這項重要的太空里程碑。 In this episode, we explore the Artemis II Moon mission in simple English. From the flyby journey to the dangerous re-entry, we look at what astronauts experienced and why this mission matters. A clear and engaging way to understand a major step in human space exploration.Leave a comment and share your thoughts: Transcript:Hey guys, I’m your English teacher, Miss Y! Welcome to the podcast made for intermediate English learners who want to listen to English, and learn about different topics in a fun and easy way. So guys, I just want to share something I watched recently. It’s a movie called Project Hail Mary. I actually liked it a lot. It’s not too serious, so it feels easy to watch, but at the same time, it’s really warm. There are also a lot of funny moments, so you don’t feel stressed while watching it. And the actor Ryan Gosling is pretty cute, so you won’t feel bored, ladies. The story is about space, but it doesn’t feel heavy or difficult. It feels more human. Actually, one thing I really like is that the main character is not a superhero. He’s just a normal person, sometimes confused, sometimes scared, but still trying his best. That makes the story more relatable, which means you feel like you can understand him. Also, I have to say, the visuals are beautiful. The images and special effects in the movie look amazing. Some scenes really make you feel like you’re actually in space. But after watching the movie, I started thinking… movies show space in a very exciting way. Everything feels fast, dramatic, and sometimes even unrealistic. But real life is very different. And that made me think about real space missions. Not the movie kind, but what’s actually happening now. Recently, there was a mission to the Moon by NASA, called Artemis II. Of course, real missions are not as cool or dramatic as movies. There are no aliens, no super exciting action scenes. But still, when you think about it, this mission is very meaningful for humans. It shows that we are slowly moving forward, step by step, back into deep space. So today, let’s talk about this real mission—and why it still matters, even without the movie-style excitement. So, you know how humans haven’t been back to the Moon for more than 50 years? Well, NASA is trying to change that with something called the Artemis program. And actually, this is not just about science. There is also some kind of competition between countries. Some countries, like the US and China, are both interested in going back to the Moon. So in some way, it’s like a new space race. A space race means countries compete to explore space first. But this time, the idea is bigger than going to the Moon and coming back. They want people to stay there longer, maybe even build bases, that means places where astronauts can live and work. And actually, the Moon is like a training ground, which means a place to practice before going somewhere harder, like Mars. On the Moon, scientists can test how humans live in low gravity. Low gravity means in this place things feel lighter than on Earth. They can also learn how to use local resources. For example, there might be ice on the Moon, and that ice can be turned into water, or even fuel. So instead of bringing everything from Earth, maybe in the future, astronauts can use what they find there. That’s a very important step for going to Mars. So that’s where Artemis II comes in. This mission is a really big deal because it’s the first time in over 50 years that humans have traveled toward the Moon again. There were four astronauts on board, but they didn’t land. Instead, they flew around the Moon and came back. That kind of mission is called a flyby, meaning you go around something without landing on it. And this mission is also special because the team is more diverse. Diverse means people from different backgrounds. It includes the first woman, the first Black astronaut, and the first non-American to travel around the Moon. The spacecraft they used is built for deep space, which just means space that’s far away from Earth, not like the area where satellites usually stay. Satellites usually stay closer. Now, this mission was like a big test. It was a test mission, which means you’re checking if everything works safely before doing something more dangerous. So the astronauts were testing things like life-support systems, that’s the system that gives them air, water, and keeps them alive, plus communication and navigation. Navigation means knowing where you are in space. During the trip, they traveled really far from Earth, even farther than any humans have gone before. They spent about 10 days in space. And you can imagine, being in that spacecraft for 10 days is not easy. You are in a very small space, you can’t just walk outside, and you are very far from Earth. So mentally, it can also be challenging. Mentally means in your mind, your feelings, your emotions. Also, during the mission, they had to trust the technology completely. Because once you leave Earth, you cannot just come back anytime you want. But actually, the most intense part wasn’t going to the Moon. It was coming back. This part is called re-entry, which means the spacecraft returns to Earth and goes through the atmosphere. This is one of the most dangerous parts of any mission. The spacecraft is moving extremely fast, and when it hits the atmosphere, the air creates a lot of heat. At that moment, the spacecraft was moving more than 30 times the speed of sound. That is very, very fast. One astronaut, Victor Glover, said the experience was very strong and physical. After the spacecraft came down quickly through the air, the parachutes opened. The parachutes help slow the spacecraft down. Glover said the sound of the parachutes opening was very loud and surprising. Before that, the astronauts also experienced a communications blackout. This means they could not talk to Earth for about six minutes. This happens because the spacecraft is moving so fast that it creates very hot gas around it. This gas blocks radio signals. Glover gave an interesting example. He said it felt like falling backwards from a very tall building, like a skyscraper, for about five seconds. This happened when the spacecraft was in free fall, which means falling with no control. During re-entry, something very dangerous happens. When the spacecraft hits the air, the air gets pushed very hard, and this creates extremely high temperatures, up to about 2,700 degrees Celsius, about 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. So hard to imagine. There was also a small issue with the heat shield, which is the protective layer that stops the spacecraft from burning. Luckily, it still worked well. In the end, everything went as planned, and they landed safely in the ocean. After they came back, the astronauts shared their experiences. They said the mission was not just exciting, but also emotional. Seeing Earth from space made them feel connected to all people. They also said something interesting, they didn’t feel like they were representing only one country. They felt like they were representing all humans. And even though this was just a test mission, some of them said they wished they could have landed on the Moon. They were already thinking about the next step. And that’s really why this mission matters. Of course it shows our technology progress. It also shows human curiosity. Curiosity means the desire to learn or discover something new. Humans have always wanted to explore, from the ocean, to the sky, and now space. Artemis II shows that we are ready to take the next step again. Isn’t it exciting? So yeah, this mission is really the beginning of a whole new chapter in space exploration. What do you think, would you personally want to go to space one day? Or do you think it’s too dangerous? Let me know in the comments! I’m Miss Y, and I really hope you enjoyed learning English with me today. If you liked this episode, come back next time for another fun 15 to 20 minutes of simple, clear English and a brand-new topic to explore. Stay curious, and keep learning about the world in simple English. Powered by Firstory Hosting

    14 min

  6. 18 Apr

    EP19 | 用牛排環遊世界：一口吃出各國文化 | A Global Steak Journey: Taste Culture Through Every Bite

    牛排看似簡單，其實在不同國家卻有完全不同的吃法與文化意義。本集 Miss Y 帶你走訪日本、美國、義大利、法國、巴西與阿根廷，從用餐氛圍、料理方式到歷史背景，一起了解各地如何詮釋牛排。從日本的精緻職人精神，到美國的豪邁份量，再到阿根廷的傳統烤肉文化，每一種牛排都代表一種生活方式。用輕鬆的英文，帶你認識世界。 Steak may seem simple, but around the world it tells very different stories. In this episode, we explore how people enjoy steak in Japan, the US, Italy, France, Brazil, and Argentina. From dining atmosphere to cooking styles and cultural meaning, discover how one food can reflect many ways of life. Leave a comment and share your thoughts: Transcript: Hey guys, I’m your English teacher, Miss Y! Welcome to the podcast made for intermediate English learners who want to listen to English, and learn about different topics in a fun and easy way. Today we’re talking about something super delicious and also kind of interesting if you think about it. Steak. Yeah, just steak. But here’s the thing, even though it’s basically just beef, the experience of eating steak in different countries can feel totally different. Like, almost like you’re eating a completely different kind of food. So today, I want to take you on a little food trip. We’re going to visit Japan, the US, Italy, France, Brazil, and Argentina. And I’ll talk about what it feels like to eat steak there, what the steak tastes like, and also a bit about the culture behind it. Alright, let’s start. You walk into a restaurant in Japan. It’s quiet. Everything feels clean and calm. You sit down, and right in front of you there’s a flat grill (鐵的烤網或烤盤). Then a chef comes out and starts cooking in front of you. So it kind of feels a bit like watching a show. The chef moves very carefully, very slowly, like every step matters. No rushing, no loud talking. It’s kind of relaxing, actually. Now when the steak comes, it doesn’t look huge or heavy. It’s usually cut into small pieces. But when you eat it, wow. It’s super soft. It almost melts in your mouth. This is Wagyu beef, which has a lot of fat inside the meat. We often describe the fat that looks like “marble”. But it’s not greasy (油膩). in a bad way. It’s more like buttery (像奶油一樣). Very smooth (很滑順). I’m sure as a Taiwanese, you must be familiar with Japanese beef. Beside Wagyu, the premium beef types include Kobe or Ōmi. They don’t add much seasoning (調味料). Maybe just a little salt, maybe a bit of soy sauce. And you eat it with some steamed rice and miso soup. There you go, a perfect and complete Japanese meal. In Japan, people really care about detail and quality. They respect the ingredients. If we look at history, beef wasn’t widely eaten in Japan for a long time. It only became more common in the late 19th century, when Western food started to influence Japanese cuisine. Because of that, steak developed as something a bit special, often connected to modern dining and luxury. So yeah, eating steak in Japan feels like a quiet, high-end experience. Almost like fine art. Now let’s jump to the US. My experience of having a steak in a steakhouse (牛排館), is that you can hear people talking, laughing, maybe celebrating something. The decoration is dark in color, the light is warm, the vibe is casual. Then the waiter comes and asks you a very important question. How do you want your steak cooked. Rare (三分), medium-rare (三分), medium (五分), medium-well (七分), and well-done (全熟). There are so many cuts (肉的部位) to choose from, like ribeye (肋眼) or T-bone (丁骨牛排), and each one has a different texture and flavor. Then the food comes, and wow, the steak is huge. Like, really big. The portion in the US and in Japan is so different. Thick steak, lots of juice, maybe some butter on top. And the sides are also a big deal. You get mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, mac and cheese, vegetables, sometimes all together. It’s a full, heavy meal. The flavor is stronger compared to Japan. More seasoning, more richness. But it is quite satisfying. America’s steak culture comes from the history of ranching (牧場) and large-scale beef production. In the 1800s, steakhouses started to appear across the country, with dark dining rooms, big drinks, and rich side dishes (配菜). Large cuts of steak became very popular, which kind of shows how Americans like things big and impressive. Today, Americans eat a lot of beef. Also, American culture really values personal choice. So you decide how your steak is cooked, what you eat with it, everything. Now let’s come to Italy. I am in Florence, the city of Renaissance (文藝復興). I’m sitting outside, the building around me looks beautiful, the weather is nice, the sun is bright, the sky is blue, people are talking slowly, nobody is in a hurry. I can just relax. Then my steak arrives, and it’s huge! This type of steak is called bistecca alla Fiorentina. Yes, the steak is huge, but you can share it with other people at the table. The steak is thick, with a bone, and it’s cooked very simply over a grill (烤網). Usually rare inside. No heavy sauce, no complicated seasoning. Maybe just salt and a bit of olive oil. When you eat it, the flavor is strong but natural. A little smoky (有煙燻味 有炭火味的) from the grill. And you take a sip of the beautiful Chianti red wine. La Dolce Vita! And this really connects to Italian culture. In Italy, people care a lot about tradition and good ingredients. They don’t want to change the food too much. Also, meals are about spending time together. Talking, sharing, enjoying the moment. So steak in Italy isn’t fast. It’s slow, relaxed, and shared. I just love the atmosphere so much. Now travel to France. I am in Paris, the city of love. I walk into a bistro. It’s cozy, a bit crowded, but in a nice way. People are chatting, maybe having wine. I order steak frites, which is steak with fries. I have never thought of having steak with fries before I came to France! Steak seems classic and high-end, but fries sounds too casual. But when the food comes, I just enjoy the combination so much! The steak is thinly sliced, not as thick as the American cut. It is cooked in a pan, often with butter, so it has a nice crust (有點焦焦脆脆的). And then there’s the sauce. This is the key part. Maybe it’s a peppercorn sauce, maybe red wine sauce. When you eat it together with the steak, it just works really well. The fries are crispy (脆脆) and hot. Let’s not forget how French people are proud of their wine, so casually choose a house red wine to pair with you casual lunch or dinner, it won’t go wrong. Steak in France is closely connected to the neighborhood bistro or brasserie (餐酒館 小餐館 小酒館). Bistro or brasserie is nothing too fancy in France. These places are kind of like the heart of French daily life. People go there after work, not just to eat, but to relax, talk, and enjoy time together. So eating steak in France feels a bit elegant, but still comfortable. Like simple food, but done well. Ok, time to go to the south hemisphere (南半球). The energy changes again. You walk into a churrascaria, and it’s lively. (churrascaria 巴西烤肉餐廳) People are talking, servers are moving around, there’s a lot happening. Something fun starts. Waiters come to your table with big skewers of meat (skewers, 肉串), and they slice it directly onto your plate. And they keep coming. Again and again. It’s all-you-can-eat (吃到飽). It feels like a food party. The steak, especially picanha, is very juicy. It has a layer of fat that gives a lot of flavor. It’s grilled over open fire (直火). The taste is smoky and rich. Actually, this whole style comes from something called churrasco. That’s a Portuguese word for grilled meat. It started a long time ago, around the 18th and 19th centuries, with ranchers (牧場工人) in southern Brazil. These guys would cook beef by putting it on long metal skewers, adding just salt, and roasting it over an open fire. And what’s interesting is, they still cook it in a very similar way today. You’ll see those long skewers over charcoal (煤炭) or fire, just like before. Over time, this style of barbecue spread across the whole country. And it’s not just food, it’s something people share across generations. That’s why in churrascarias, the experience is so interactive (有互動性的). So yeah, having steak in Brazil is also about talking, enjoying the moment, and kind of celebrating together. And finally, I save it to the last. Because it is the place where I think has the best steak I’ve ever tasted. This country is — Argentina. Here, dinner time is a bit late. I arrive at the restaurant only after 10 pm. If you arrive too early — let’s say 7 pm, the restaurant is not even open! So I go into the restaurant. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed. People sit for a long time, talking, enjoying their meal. There’s no rush at all. My steak comes. The steak is cooked slowly over wood or charcoal. Nothing fancy. When you eat it, the flavor is very clean. You really taste the beef itself. And listen guys, chimichurri sauce is a must (a must, 一定要的東西; 必吃的東西; 必點的東西; 必買的東西); chimichurri is made with oregano, parsley, chili flakes, vinegar, olive oil and salt. It taste different from the heavy and creamy sauce in France or the US. Chimichurri tastes herbal (有香草味的). I love it. It goes so well with the juicy steak. Don’t forget that Argentina also has wine with very reasonable price and good quality, so you never need to worried that you can’t find a good wine to pair with your steak! Argentina has a strong cattle farming tradition (cattle means cow

    20 min

  7. 4 Apr

    EP18 | 歐洲歌唱大賽：從瘋狂舞台到音樂文化的魅力 | Eurovision: Music, Madness and Cultural Charm

    你聽過歐洲歌唱大賽（Eurovision）嗎？這個擁有超過60年歷史的國際音樂比賽，不只是唱歌，更是一場結合文化、創意與話題性的表演盛宴。本集帶你認識Eurovision的起源、比賽方式，以及它為何能吸引上億觀眾。同時也會聊到它誇張又充滿爭議的舞台風格，並比較與亞洲歌唱節目的差異。 Have you heard of Eurovision? In this episode, we explore what it is, how it started, and why millions still watch it today. From dramatic performances to cultural meaning, we also compare it with Asian music shows and share personal thoughts on live music, creativity, and authenticity. Leave a comment and share your thoughts: Transcript: Hey guys, I’m your English teacher, Miss Y! Welcome to the podcast made for intermediate English learners who want to listen to English, and learn about different topics in a fun and easy way. If you’re into pop music—like catchy songs, big performances, and discovering new artists—then today’s episode is really for you. (Pop music 流行樂) So today, we’re talking about… Eurovision. And I want to start with a quick story. The first time I heard about Eurovision wasn’t from the real contest. It was actually from a movie—Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. I don’t know if you’ve seen it, but I loved this movie. It’s such a fun and heart-warming comedy, and the songs are surprisingly beautiful. I remember watching it and thinking, “Is there actually a competition like this?” And then I found out—yes, it’s real. And honestly, it’s even more dramatic than the movie. So what exactly is Eurovision? Basically, it’s a huge international song competition (比賽). Every year, different countries send one singer or group to represent them. Each country performs one original song on stage (original, 原始的; 在這裡是原創的), and then after all the performances, the countries vote for each other. And here’s an important detail—countries can’t vote for themselves. So the whole system depends on how other countries see your song. Usually, there are two semi-finals (準決賽; semi- 一半的) and then a big final (決賽). That final is the main show, where everything happens. The winner is decided by a mix of professional judges and regular people voting from home. So it’s not just about who sings the best—it’s also about who connects with the audience. And sometimes… there’s a little bit of politics involved too Eurovision actually started a long time ago, in 1956. At that time, Europe had just gone through World War II (第二次世界大戰), and countries were trying to rebuild relationships. So the idea was simple: use music to bring people together. In the beginning, the show was very small and simple. The stage wasn’t huge, there weren’t many countries, and the performances were quite basic. But over time, it slowly grew into something much bigger. Now it’s a massive production with lights, effects, dancers, and sometimes really unexpected ideas. Even though it’s called Eurovision, not every country is actually in Europe. Most participants are European, of course, but some countries outside Europe can join if they are part of the broadcasting system. That’s why countries like Australia or Israel have participated. So it’s less about geography (地理位置), and more about being part of this network. Usually, you’ll see around 35 to 40 countries competing each year, which makes it feel really international So now you might be thinking—okay, but is it really that popular? The answer is yes. It’s actually one of the biggest non-sports events in the world. Every year, the final gets around 160 to 200 million viewers. That’s a huge number. In many European countries, Eurovision night is kind of like a big event. People watch it with friends, talk about the performances, and react together in real time. And even though fewer people watch traditional TV now, Eurovision is still very strong online. It trends on social media, people share clips, and some performances go viral (在網路上爆紅) So why do people still love it after so many years? Part of the reason is that Eurovision has changed with the times. The performances today are designed for platforms like YouTube or TikTok, so they’re very visual, which means easy to be seen, and it is also easy to share. At the same time, the music styles are much more diverse now. You don’t just hear pop—you might hear rock (搖滾樂), electronic music (電子樂), or something completely unexpected. Another important reason is the strong connection with the LGBTQ+ community. For many people, Eurovision feels like a space where you can be yourself, express your identity, and feel accepted. That gives the show a very special atmosphere. It’s also interesting because it’s not only about music. You can sometimes see culture and even politics in the voting. Certain countries tend to support each other, and that adds another layer to the competition. And of course, Eurovision can change people’s lives. Some artists become internationally famous after the contest. So for many performers, it’s a huge opportunity Now let’s talk about the style of the performances, because this is where Eurovision gets really interesting. The performances are often very dramatic (戲劇化; 很誇張). Sometimes they’re exaggerated (誇張), sometimes they’re a bit strange, and sometimes they’re just completely unexpected. You might see wild costumes, unusual dance moves, or crazy stage effects. It can feel like you’re watching a concert, a fashion show, and a comedy show all at the same time. And this is exactly why some people don’t like it. Some people feel it’s too weird, or not serious enough. They think the focus is more on the show than the music. Others feel that the quality of the songs can be inconsistent. Inconsistent means it is not stable, it doesn’t always stay the same. It means some songs are really great, but others are easy to forget. And then there’s the voting. Some viewers believe that countries sometimes vote based on relationships, not just the music. So yes, Eurovision is very popular—but it’s also quite controversial (有爭議性的). If you’re curious and want to see what Eurovision is really like, there are a couple of performances I’d really recommend. One is “Euphoria.” This song was perform by a Sweden performer. It’s one of the most famous Eurovision songs ever. The performance is actually quite simple, but very powerful, and the song is still popular today. If you like energetic songs and powerful singing style, you might like it. Another one is “Zitti e buoni” by the Italian contestant. This one feels completely different—it’s energetic rock music, and the band became internationally famous after winning. I personally like the performance a lot, and it is very exciting to watch. If you watch these two, you’ll already start to understand the range of Eurovision—from emotional and artistic to modern and cool. Now let’s compare Eurovision with something you might be more familiar with—music competitions in Asia. The biggest difference is probably the focus. In Eurovision, you’re not just watching a singer—you’re watching a country. There’s a sense of national identity (國家的認同感), and the performances are often very big and dramatic. In many Asian shows, the focus is more on the individual or the group. The attention is on vocal skill, training, and improvement. Judges (評審) also play a much bigger role. It seems like in Asia, people still like to hear the opinions from the authority figures (權威人士). So the feeling is quite different. Asian competitions often feel more emotional and skill-focused, while Eurovision feels more like a creative show—sometimes unpredictable, sometimes even a little chaotic (混亂). And now there’s something new happening. Eurovision is planning to launch a version in Asia in 2026, with the Grand Final to be hosted in Bangkok, Thailand on November 14. This new competition is expected to include countries like Thailand or South Korea, and it will try to combine Eurovision’s style with Asian pop music culture. It’s a really interesting idea, because Asia has huge audiences and very strong music industries—especially when you think about things like K-pop. But at the same time, there are questions. Different countries have different tastes, different cultures, and sometimes political tensions. So it’s not clear if the Eurovision style will work in the same way. Still, it’s definitely something worth watching. Before we finish, I want to share my opinion. I really like the spirit of Eurovision. It feels creative and different. It celebrates many kinds of people and styles. Don’t get me wrong, I still like some aspect in Asian music industry, but when I look at some Asian music shows, I sometimes feel they are more similar. The styles and beauty standards can feel the same. I also like that Eurovision is live. You can hear real voices. You can feel the singer’s emotion and passion. It may not be perfect, but it feels real. Some Asian singing shows use lip-sync (對嘴) to sound perfect. But for me, that can feel a bit empty. It looks good, but it doesn’t feel alive. I also like that Eurovision sometimes talks about serious topics. Music and art can show our thoughts and feelings. That makes it more real and more meaningful. So for me, Eurovision is feels human and alive. Now I want to ask you: What kind of shows do you enjoy more—serious singing competitions, or something more fun and dramatic? Share your thoughts with me in the comments! Alright, that’s it for today’s episode. I’m Miss Y, and I really hope you enjoyed learning English with me today. If you liked this episode, come back next time for another

    16 min

  8. 27 Mar

    EP17 | 為什麼東西方的龍如此不同？| Why Dragons Are So Different in the West and the East

    在西方故事中，龍通常是邪惡、貪婪且需要被擊敗的怪物；但在中國與東方文化中，龍卻象徵權力、智慧與好運，甚至與雨水與自然息息相關。本集將帶你從文化、宗教、自然觀與歷史角度，探索為什麼不同文明會塑造出如此不同的龍形象，同時也解釋龍為何會出現在世界各地的神話之中。透過這個主題，你不僅能學習英文，也能更深入理解文化差異。 Why are dragons evil monsters in Western stories but powerful symbols of luck in Eastern cultures? In this episode, we explore how culture, religion, nature, and history shape dragon myths. You’ll also learn why dragons appear across many civilizations—and what they reveal about how people see the world. Leave a comment and share your thoughts: Transcript: Hey guys, I’m your English teacher, Miss Y! Welcome to the podcast made for intermediate English learners who want to listen to English, and learn about different topics in a fun and easy way. Today we’re talking about something really fun—dragons. But not just any dragons. I want you to think about this question for a second. Why are dragons in Western stories usually scary monsters… but in Eastern cultures, especially in China, they’re powerful and lucky? Same creature, totally different meaning. So what’s going on here? Let’s start with the dragons that many of you probably know best — the Eastern dragons, especially Chinese dragons. Chinese dragons are long and smooth (滑順), almost like a snake. They don’t need wings to fly. They move through the sky like they’re swimming in air. Chinese dragons are connected to water—rain, rivers, oceans. And that’s a big deal, because in ancient China, people depended on farming (農耕). And farming depends on rain. They are not enemies (敵人). So people respected it. Because the dragon could bring rain. And rain means life. If you’ve ever seen a dragon dance during Chinese New Year, you guys must know what dance I’m talking about, 舞龍舞獅, you’ll notice something interesting. People are celebrating the dragon. They’re not trying to kill it. They believe the dragon brings good luck and prosperity (繁榮). You can also see this idea in movies. Have you guys watched the Japanese animation by Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away? (台灣翻成神隱少女) It’s such a great animated movie (動畫片; animation). In Spirited Away, the dragon character Haku, the boy who is actually a white dragon, is magical and kind. He is such a popular character (角色). In the Disney animation Mulan (花木蘭), Mushu, a good friend of Mulan, he is small and funny, but still protective (有保護力的; 會保護人的). He is also a cute and lovable character. So here, the dragon is not a monster. It’s a helper. A protector. Something positive. Now let’s move to Western dragons. And here, everything changes. When you think of a dragon in Western movies or books, what comes to mind? Usually something huge, with wings, breathing fire, right? Instead of smooth and gentle, it is dangerous, aggressive (有攻擊性的), and actually… not something you want to meet. In a lot of stories, dragons live in dark places like caves or mountains, and they often guard treasure. Gold, jewels, anything valuable. And they don’t share. They’re greedy (貪心的). Take the dragon Smaug from The Hobbit (奇幻小說和電影 哈比人). Smaug, the dragon, is sleeping on a giant pile of gold, and he’s not just dangerous—he’s also proud and selfish. Or think about Game of Thrones (權力遊戲; 冰與火之歌), it was one of the most popular TV shows back in 2011. I love this series (影集; TV drama)… well, at least the first 4 seasons. One the the best series I’ve ever watched. The dragons in Game of Thrones are powerful and impressive, but they can destroy entire cities. They’re not exactly friendly. Even in something like How to Train Your Dragon, a popular animated movie by Dream Works. I like this animation, too. At the beginning in the animation, people are afraid of dragons. They see them as enemies. Although if you continue watching, the dragons are depicted as big cute pets. But you get the idea, the original image of the dragons are furious (兇猛的) and dangerous. So in Western culture, dragons are usually something you fight. Something you defeat. And if you win, you’re the hero. Now here’s another interesting question. Why do dragons appear in so many cultures in the first place? I mean, Europe, China, the Middle East, even the Americas—so many places have dragon-like creatures. And many of these cultures never even met each other. So why dragons? One idea is fossils (化石). Imagine you’re living thousands of years ago, and you find a giant bone in the ground. You don’t know what a dinosaur is. So what do you think? Probably something like, “This must be a giant creature.” And over time, that idea turns into stories. Into myths (神話). Into dragons. Another idea is natural disasters (災難; natural disaster就是自然災害, 天災). Think about earthquakes, floods, volcanoes. These are powerful and scary events, especially if you don’t have scientific explanations. So people created stories to explain them. Maybe a giant creature under the earth caused the shaking. Maybe a dragon in the water caused the flood. And then there’s something even simpler—human fear (恐懼. 名詞). Humans are naturally afraid of certain animals. Snakes, for example. Big predators (掠食者). Flying birds of prey (會狩獵掠食的鳥類; eagle 是一種bird of prey). Now imagine combining all those things into one creature. Something that crawls like a snake, flies like a bird, and attacks like a predator. That sounds a lot like a dragon. So dragons may come from a mix of imagination, fear, and real-world experiences. But that still doesn’t explain why Western and Eastern dragons are so different. So let’s talk about that. A big reason is cultural values (價值觀). Different cultures see the world in different ways. In many Western traditions, stories are often about conflict (衝突). A hero fights against something evil and wins. So naturally, the dragon becomes that “evil thing.” The obstacle. The final boss. But in Eastern cultures, especially in Chinese philosophy (哲學思想), there’s more focus on balance and harmony (平衡與和諧). It’s not always about good versus evil. It’s about how different forces work together. So instead of being something to destroy, the dragon becomes something to understand… and respect. Another important difference is how people see nature. In many Western stories, nature is something dangerous. Storms, fires, wild animals—they can all hurt people. So there’s this idea that humans need to fight or control nature. And the dragon becomes a symbol (象徵) of that danger. But in ancient China, people depended on nature, especially for farming. They needed rain, not too much, not too little. So instead of fighting nature, they tried to live in harmony with it. And the dragon became a symbol of that natural power—something strong, but also necessary. Religion also plays a role (宗教). In Europe, Christianity (基督教) had a big influence. And in many Christian stories, dragons represent evil or sin (罪惡). So killing a dragon becomes a symbol of doing something good, something moral. But in China, belief systems like Confucianism (儒家思想; 孔子思想) and Daoism (道教) don’t focus so much on good versus evil. They focus more on balance, order, and harmony. So the dragon doesn’t become evil. It becomes part of the natural system. Then there’s politics (政治). In China, the dragon became a symbol of the emperor (帝王). The emperor was seen as having a special connection to heaven, and the dragon represented that power. So the dragon became a symbol of authority, strength, and even national identity. But in Europe, dragons are usually outside society. They live far away, in unknown places. And heroes become famous by defeating them. So in one culture, the dragon supports power. In the other, it challenges it. And finally, history matters. Over time, these ideas changed and developed. In China, the dragon slowly became more and more important, from a tribal symbol to a national one. In Europe, dragons became more clearly evil during the Middle Ages (中世紀), especially in religious stories. So what we see today is the result of many years of cultural development. So when we put everything together, we start to see the big picture. Dragons are not just fantasy creatures. They’re actually reflections of how people see the world. In Western cultures, dragons are often something to fight. Something dangerous. In Eastern cultures, dragons are something to respect. Something powerful and positive. And maybe that’s the most interesting part. Because when we look at dragons… we’re really looking at ourselves. Our fears. Our beliefs. Our values. So next time you watch a movie or read a story with a dragon, take a moment and think: What does this dragon say about the culture it comes from? Last but not least, I would like you to let me know, do you prefer a Western version’s dragon, or an Eastern version‘s dragon? Why is that? Share with me in the comments. Alright, that’s it for today. I’m Miss Y, and I really hope you enjoyed learning English with me today. If you liked this episode, come back next time for another fun 15 to 20 minutes of simple, clear English and a brand-new topic to explore. Stay curious, and learn about the world in simple English. Powered by Firstory Hosting

    17 min
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歡迎來到一個輕鬆又友善的英語學習方式。 我是 Miss Y，這個節目專為初中級到中級程度的台灣英語學習者設計。 每一集都提供 15～20 分鐘清晰、好理解的英文，讓你自然地訓練聽力。 節目涵蓋影視、自我成長、旅遊、時事、心靈、科技、職涯、商業等多元主題。 就像用簡單英文聽朋友分享有趣的新知。 不論你在通勤、讀書或放鬆時收聽，都能輕鬆吸收有內容的英文。讓英文自然融入你的生活，一集一集慢慢進步。 Welcome to a simple and friendly way to improve your English. I’m Miss Y, and this podcast is designed for Taiwanese learners at the low-intermediate to intermediate level. Each episode gives you 15–20 minutes of clear, easy-to-understand English to help you practice listening naturally. We explore many topics — movies, self-growth, travel, news, mindset, technology, career, business, and more. Think of it as listening to a friend share interesting ideas in simple English. Whether you're commuting, studying, or relaxing at home, this podcast helps you enjoy meaningful English without stress. Let English become part of your daily routine — one episode at a time. Powered by Firstory Hosting

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